Background:
-Malignant ascites or pleural effusions are often seen in patients with solid tumor
malignancies.
-Malignant ascites is proinflammatory with many cytokines present and acts to promote
tumor cell growth.
-The cellular composition of malignant ascites consists of lymphocytes, macrophages and
monocytes.
-Serum monocytes and lymphocytes play a role in the native host anti-tumor immune
mediated mechanisms.
-A paracentesis or thoracentesis is often done for symptomatic relief from the malignant
fluid collection.
Primary Objective:
-To obtain blood samples and ascites and pleural effusion samples from patients with solid
tumor malignancies, with the intent of performing translational studies related to cancer.
Eligibility:
* Patients greater than or equal to 18 years of age.
* Diagnosis of malignant solid tumor.
* Patients must be able and willing to provide informed consent.
Design:
-We will collect approximately 200cc-5L ascites from patients that are undergoing a
therapeutic paracentesis or thoracentesis. No thoracentesis or paracentesis will be
performed solely for research purposes.
-The fluid will be collected during the medical procedure and may be collected at more
than one time point.
-We will also collect 30ml of peripheral blood. This will be from patients who are being
seen in follow up, consultation, or presenting for enrollment on a clinical trial.
